Witness in chains
Day 528, Wednesday, Jan. 21
Acts 25:23 – 26:32
The next step in Paul’s journey through the judicial system is before King Agrippa. Agrippa was the last member of the Herod family to rule over Judah.
Like Paul himself, Agrippa is Jewish in spite of being a significant official in the Roman Empire. As Paul defends himself, he appeals to Agrippa’s faith: “King Agrippa, do you believe in the prophets? I know you do.”
Agrippa thinks that Paul is trying to witness to him. “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (The fact that Agrippa uses the term “Christian” suggests that he considers it to be either separate from Judaism or a distinct sect of Judaism.)
Paul confirms that conversion is his goal: “I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today will become what I am, except for these chains.”
Even though he finds that Paul has committed no crime, he respects Paul’s appeal to Caesar. “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Wednesday meditation

Psalms 68:7-14
When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.
The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng: “Kings and armies flee in haste; the women at home divide the plunder. Even while you sleep among the sheep pens, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold.” When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Mount Zalmon.

Prayer focus
Show us the opportunities you provide to share the news of Jesus Christ.